 GDP HISTORY
Garstang & District Partnership is a limited
company tasked with delivering the Market Towns Initiative here in
Garstang and her hinterlands. The concept of the Market
Towns Initiative is to develop local solutions to local problems working
in partnerships with representatives from the voluntary sector, service
providers, schools and colleges, business groups and local government.
Community participation is a key
element in the Market Towns Initiative as detailed local knowledge and
skills are essential in addressing highly localised issues. Part of this
work was undertaken through the 2004 Healthcheck and as a result the MTI
Action Plan was born. In 2004 GDP were granted £1m from NWDA to deliver
identified actions from the plan.
For latest
news please click here (pdf).
 WHAT ARE WE HERE TO DO
GDP are here to deliver the MTI action plan. This
consists of a series of projects and initiatives aimed at supporting
those that live and work within the market town. GDP is made up of a
number of directors (from the original Area Partnership Steering Groups)
and interested parties (a
list can be found by clicking here). GDP, chaired by Cllr Lady
Dulcie Atkins, employs two staff members to help deliver
projects and to manage the funding programme. NWDA core funding is due
to end in March 2008; we hope to continue the initiative with funding
from other sources.
CURRENT PROJECTS
GDP will deliver 12 funded projects this year and
help with many others. We will be concentrating on delivering town
centre improvements including a town trail, visitor signage, Shopfront
Improvement schemes and provision for a new community centre. We intend
to host a regional food event in October and will continue our work of
supporting local businesses through the local produce guide, tourism
grant scheme, training and provision of free business advice. The
Discretionary Fund for community groups and Energy Efficiency Fund for
local halls will be available and GDP will be working in partnership
with Garstang High School on the provision of a local learning centre
for adults. GDP will be helping deliver a range of events including the
Arts Festival and will also be supporting the Gymnasts at Nateby as they
press ahead for expansion.
For a list of
planned projects please click here (pdf).
 WHAT HAVE WE SPENT
GDP were awarded £1,000,000 and 5% (£50,000) has to
go on a management and administration fee to our accountable body, Wyre
Borough Council. GDP have since July 2004 spent £650,000. We are now
into our final year of funding and our budget from April 2007- April
2008 is £350,000. Examples of project spend (to date) are below:
-
Discretionary Fund:
£70,000 to help community projects
-
Shopfront Improvement
Scheme: £12,000 to help spruce up the High Street
-
Children’s Centre:
£250,000 towards a new rural facility
-
Garstang Learning
Centre: £2,000 towards a new adult learning centre
-
Waterways and Heritage:
£12,000 on new signage and information boards
-
Energy Efficiency:
£18,000 for green measures in community buildings
-
Project Management inc.
salary: £66,000 towards running the whole scheme
-
Tourism support inc.
salary: £53,132 for festivals, events and marketing support
-
Village Halls upgrade
grant: £42,526 to help update local halls
-
Business
Training Workshops (photo shows recent Main Marketing workshop on
promotional planning)
 HOW CAN WE HELP?
GDP can help with almost any query- from dealing
with it ourselves to signposting you on to someone who can.
For our latest newsletter please click here
(pdf).
Are you a business needing advice? Get in touch
with GDP and we’ll arrange a 1-2-1 meeting with a friendly business
advisor free of charge.
Do you have a Shopfront in Garstang High Street,
which needs improving? If so you could qualify for our Shopfront
Improvement Scheme. Get in touch with GDP for an application form.
GDP operates a community fund for local projects.
All applicants must demonstrate how their project benefits Garstang as a
market town. For further information please contact Community Futures
(who run the scheme for us) on 01772 717461. If you would like any
information or advice on funding, constitutions, bank account set ups
for groups, legal advise please contact Community Futures.
Are you a business associated with tourism looking
for a grant to help with marketing, promotion, getting graded,
diversifying etc. You could qualify for our Tourism Business Grant
Scheme- please get in touch with GDP.
GET IN TOUCH
For all enquiries please contact GDP Office, Old
Council Offices, High Street, Garstang, PR3 1FU or telephone 01995
600551 or email
gdp@garstang.net
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